The award is Emory Saint Joseph's highest honor for physician service, and is named for Burson, a respected internist, gastroenterologist and influential medical staff leader at the hospital. The late physician was a pioneer in the field of gastroenterology, establishing Emory Saint Joseph's first gastrointestinal diagnostic unit.

Burson Award recipients are selected for their leadership as a member of the medical staff and contributions to the quality of medicine practiced at the hospital. Shortly after joining the Metro Atlanta Gastroenterology practice in 1994, McGahan was instrumental in establishing the endoscopic ultrasound department, making Emory Saint Joseph's the first hospital on Atlanta's north side to have endoscopic ultrasound. During this time, McGahan also expanded the hospital's GI medical conferences, and continues to serve as moderator of the semimonthly abdominal tumor conference.

Burson Award recipients are also selected for their adherence to Emory Saint Joseph's Mercy philosophy and contribution to the Mercy Mission in Atlanta. Emory Saint Joseph's, Atlanta's first hospital, was established in 1880 by the Sisters of Mercy to care for the sick with dignity, respect and compassion. The hospital continues to further their healing ministry through the Mercy Mission, by providing compassionate, clinically excellent health care to those in need.

McGahan's commitment to Emory Saint Joseph's and the Mercy Mission includes many leadership positions at the hospital and within Emory Healthcare. He serves as chairman of the hospital's Department of Medicine and the Hospital Medical Records Committee, and is a member of the Emory Saint Joseph's Board of Directors and the Hospital Staff Executive Committee. Additionally, McGahan serves as a member of Saint Joseph's Mercy Care Services Board of Directors. Mercy Care Services was formally established in 1985, and provides medical care to children and adults in need through various clinic sites throughout Atlanta and in Rome, Ga.

A Columbus, Indiana native, McGahan was raised in Atlanta and attended Saint Jude the Apostle School in Sandy Springs. He graduated from the Marist School in 1981 and as an alumnus, has introduced rising seniors to a career in the medical field through the Marist Career Connections Summer Internship program. McGahan earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and medical degree from Emory University. Following his residency at Emory and fellowship at the University of Cincinnati, McGahan joined Metro Atlanta Gastroenterology. He also serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor with Emory University's School of Medicine Division of Digestive Diseases.